Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Officials Present:

• Mayor Richard A. Brantner
• Council President P. Robert Dickson
• Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger
• Councilmen James C. Dell and Neil E. Gartland

Absent: Janet Blattenberger, Darin Meck, and Ed Bennett.

Borough Manager Report

Borough Manager Rich Brantner provided updates on several municipal operations:

• Internet: Brightspeed began running new fiber internet throughout town on November 4.
• Decorations: Christmas lights were hung on November 19.
• Staffing: Brian Miller’s official last day was November 22.
• Lighting Upgrades: New LED light fixtures were installed in the Borough Office and wastewater treatment plant on November 26. Penelec is currently offering rebates, with fixtures priced at $8 and bulbs at $1.
• Equipment: A new street sweeper is expected to arrive on December 10.
• Ambulance Building: The heater in the truck bay is broken. Council approved a motion to replace it for an estimated cost of $1,500–$2,000, to be paid from the Building Maintenance Fund.
• Community: The Boosters Association successfully completed their Christmas tree display.

Financial and Legal Matters

• Bills: The list of bills for November 2024 (check nos. 11542-11566) totaling $147,721. 13 was approved unanimously.
• Tax Ordinances: Council adopted several ordinances to maintain tax rates for 2025:
  • Real Estate Tax: Maintained at 1. 967 mills (Resolution No. 2024-1202-01).
  • Per Capita Tax: Maintained at $5. 00 (Ordinance No. 2024-649).
  • Earned Income Tax: Maintained at ½ of 1 percent (Ordinance No. 2024-650).
  • Local Services Tax: Maintained at $52 (Ordinance No. 2024-651).
  • Note: Roll call votes were required and passed unanimously for all tax ordinances.
• 2025 Budget: The 2025 budget was adopted unanimously, requiring no real estate tax increase.

Equipment and Contracts

• Street Sweeper Sale: The old 1991 street sweeper, which has mechanical issues, was sold to Duncansville Borough for $1,500. 00 "as is. "
• Comcast Contract: Manager Brantner received a cable contract from Comcast with a 0% franchise fee, compared to Breezeline’s 5%. To ensure fairness and legal compliance, Council approved hiring Attorney Cohen to review the contract for $6,210. 00 (paid from the Reserve Fund). Attorney Cohen will attempt to recover half this cost from Comcast.

Other Business

• Police Policy Manual: The Martinsburg Borough Police Policy Manual was adopted as presented. It is updated every five years.
• Fire Company: Minutes from the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company’s November 11 meeting were included in the agenda. Manager Brantner noted a busy period for the fire company, including a structural burning class in Curryville.

The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p. m.